Offense meets defense when the SMU Mustangs (8-4) welcome the East Carolina Pirates (7-5) to Moody Coliseum. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
East Carolina Pirates vs. SMU Mustangs Free Prediction
The Pirates come in on a high note after blowing out the Delaware State Hornets in their last matchup, 81-56. The Pirates had a much better free throw rate (0.344 vs. 0.158) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 vs. 20.5). With 12 points on 4-for-7 shooting, Isaac Fleming was East Carolina’s high scorer.
In the Mustangs’ previous outing, they were victorious over the Northwestern State Demons, 69-58. SMU out-rebounded Northwestern State. The Mustangs had 21 offensive rebounds and 44 total rebounds, while the Demons had nine and 33, respectively. Jimmy Whitt Jr. led SMU in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting from the field.
After the Mustangs won both contests against the Pirates last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, SMU won 77-58. The Mustangs had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.560 vs. 0.414) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 vs. 26.3).
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. SMU currently ranks 26th in offensive efficiency and East Carolina is 44th in defensive efficiency.
East Carolina Pirates at SMU Mustangs Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Smu, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
SMU ranks 93rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.2) while East Carolina ranks 254th (17.0).
The Pirates rank 16th in assists allowed per game (10.0) while the Mustangs rank 176th (14.8).
SMU ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while East Carolina ranks 170th (7.8).
The Pirates rank 45th in rebounds per game (39.4) while the Mustangs rank 150th (35.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Pirates’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 4.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
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